Episode 054

Released on: January 2, 2024

Are you looking to take your indie author game to the next level in 2024? In this podcast episode, Shanon shares her top podcasts that provide an invaluable education on all things self-publishing. She highlights the key shows that have helped her navigate the world of independent publishing, from writing craft to marketing tactics. Whether you're just starting out or already have books under your belt, tuning in regularly to the right podcasts can provide motivation, inspiration, and actionable advice. Join her as she discuss the pods that every indie author should have on their playlist if they want to find more readers and publish successfully.

🐉Shanon’s Indiegogo for A Curse of Scales & Feathers: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/a-curse-of-scales-feathers-a-fantasy-romance#/

IMPORTANT LINKS FOR THIS EPISODE:

🌟 The Creative Penn podcast: https://www.thecreativepenn.com/podcasts/

🌟 The Creative Penn podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thecreativepenn

🌟 Self-Publishing with Dale Podcast: https://selfpublishingwithdale.com/index.php/podcast/

🌟 The Self-Publishing with Dale Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/selfpublishingwithdalepodcast

🌟 Subscriptions for Authors podcast: https://subscriptionsforauthors.com/podcasthome/

🌟 Subscriptions for Authors podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@subscriptionsforauthors

🌟 Wish I'd Known Then Podcast for Writers: https://wishidknownforwriters.com/

🌟 Wish I'd Known Then Podcast for Writers on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wishidknownthenpodcast

🌟 Self Publishing Info with the SPA Girls podcast: https://www.selfpublishingauthorspodcast.com/

🌟 Self Publishing Info with the SPA Girls podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SPAGirlsPodcast

🌟 My Imaginary Friends Podcast: https://lpenelope.com/podcast/

🌟 My Imaginary Friends Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leslyepenelope

🌟 Six Figure Authors Podcast: https://6figureauthors.com/

🌟 Six Figure Authors Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sixfigureauthorspodcast5297

🌟 Drop us a line at [email protected]

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Thanks for watching and listening!

🔗 ➤ FACEBOOK: Self-Publishing Tips & Tricks: https://www.facebook.com/groups/selfpublishingtipstricks

🔗 ➤ Guest Registration for Self-Published Authors: https://forms.gle/a5kagunHv9x1jxvm6

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CONNECT WITH US!

▶Shanon (S.D. Huston) Links: https://linktr.ee/sdhuston

▶Ben Pick YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Running2Write

▶Ben Pick Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/running2write

▶Morgan Links: https://linktr.ee/authormorganlee

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#selfpublishingtipstricks #sptt

Episode 053

Released on: December 26, 2023

An author's welcome email to new newsletter subscribers represents a valuable opportunity to make a great first impression. In this week's episode, Shanon share tips for crafting an effective and engaging welcome email to help build relationships with readers. She discusses why newsletters are so important for authors and explains how to tailor your message based on where subscribers signed up and the importance of making an authentic connection. She also covers including whitelisting instructions, simple calls to action, and unsubscribe options. Whether you're just starting a newsletter or want to improve your welcome message, this episode will help you welcome new subscribers in a way that resonates.

🐉Shanon’s Indiegogo for A Curse of Scales & Feathers: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/a-curse-of-scales-feathers-a-fantasy-romance#/

IMPORTANT LINKS FOR THIS EPISODE:

🌟 Statistics Source: https://optinmonster.com/email-marketing-statistics/

🌟 Sarra Cannon: https://sarracannon.com/

🌟 Shanon’s Newsletter Sign-up Page: https://subscribepage.io/sdhustonreaders

🌟 Drop us a line at [email protected]

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👉Whitelist Instructions:

To ensure my email with your free content gets to you, you'll want to whitelist my email address. To do that, click here for instructions, or reply to this email. (Replying should do the trick in case the instructions aren't updated for your particular email system. If you reply, let me know what you're reading right now and whether you recommend it or not. I'm always looking for new books to devour!)

👉Gmail Instructions:

I've been told by Gmail users that my emails sometimes end up under their "Promotions" or "Social" tabs. If this is the case with you, click and drag this email to your main inbox so you don't miss the one with your free books in it. As I mentioned, you can also reply to this email and that'll help get your books where they should go.

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Thanks for watching and listening!

🔗 ➤ FACEBOOK: Self-Publishing Tips & Tricks: https://www.facebook.com/groups/selfpublishingtipstricks

🔗 ➤ Guest Registration for Self-Published Authors: https://forms.gle/a5kagunHv9x1jxvm6

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CONNECT WITH US!

▶Shanon (S.D. Huston) Links: https://linktr.ee/sdhuston

▶Ben Pick YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Running2Write

▶Ben Pick Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/running2write

▶Morgan Links: https://linktr.ee/authormorganlee

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#selfpublishingtipstricks #sptt

Episode 052

Released on: December 15, 2023

Previous podcast guests D.L. Tillery, Sako Tumi, and A.F. Stewart turn the tables on Shanon, Ben, and Morgan, asking them the questions they normally ask their guests.

LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR HOSTS!

D.L. TILLERY

▶ Website: https://www.authordltillery.com/

▶ Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/D-L-Tillery/e/B09CRDP37H

▶ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AuthorDLTillery

▶ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorDLTillery/

▶ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authordltillery/

▶ Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/authordltillery

▶ https://www.twitch.tv/banongaming

SAKO TUMI / CASS VOIT

▶ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/SakoTumiCassVoit

▶ Website: http://psychosako.wordpress.com

▶ https://www.behance.net/psychosako

▶ Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Flambeau-Cass-Voit-ebook/dp/B09T8YVHWN

▶ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PsychoSakoStudios/

▶ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/psychosako/https://www.facebook.com/PsychoSakoStudios/

A.F. STEWART

▶ All A.F. Stewart’s Links: https://lnk.bio/AFStewart

LINKS FOR THIS EPISODE:

🌟 Watch D.L. Tillery’s podcast episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/auP4ndczjnw

🌟 Watch Sako Tumi’s podcast episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/auP4ndczjnw

🌟 Watch A.F. Stewart’s podcast episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/5vwn5mObyAA

🌟 Watch A.L. Knorr’s podcast episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/quKmkCCrKbc

🌟 Watch Shanti Hershenson’s podcast episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/XqSmuQsCuZQ

🌟 Watch Robert G. Culp’s podcast episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Gg3M4ERGpfE

🌟 Watch Estelle Van de Velde’s podcast episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/AXsFcbZn2N4

🌟 Watch Inka York’s podcast episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/mxFrmyWRIuM

🌟 Drop us a line at [email protected]

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Thanks for watching and listening!

🔗 ➤ FACEBOOK: Self-Publishing Tips & Tricks: https://www.facebook.com/groups/selfpublishingtipstricks

🔗 ➤ Guest Registration for Self-Published Authors: https://forms.gle/a5kagunHv9x1jxvm6

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CONNECT WITH US!

▶Shanon (S.D. Huston) Links: https://linktr.ee/sdhuston

▶Ben Pick YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Running2Write

▶Ben Pick Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/running2write

▶Morgan Links: https://linktr.ee/authormorganlee

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#selfpublishingtipstricks #sptt

Episode 051

Released on: December 12, 2023

Drawing in an invested audience is vital for any author, but expensive marketing shouldn’t be the only path to reach more readers. This week’s podcast episode covers creative strategies from leveraging your own platforms to collaborating with fellow creators in order to grow your mailing list with compelling yet zero-cost reader magnets. You’ll learn why providing free value first is key before making any hard pitches, as well as discover websites that offer newsletter promotion services at no cost. Tune in to pick up easy-to-implement tips to start enticing signups immediately so you can nurture fans for the long run.

🐉Shanon’s Indiegogo for A Curse of Scales & Feathers: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/a-curse-of-scales-feathers-a-fantasy-romance#/

IMPORTANT LINKS FOR THIS EPISODE:

🌟 Voracious Readers Only: https://voraciousreadersonly.com/voracious-readers-only-author-sign-up/

🌟 LibraryThing: https://www.librarything.com/ner/howitworksofferer

🌟 My Book Cave: https://mybookcave.com/subscriber-magnet-services/

🌟 Drop us a line at [email protected]

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Thanks for watching and listening!

🔗 ➤ FACEBOOK: Self-Publishing Tips & Tricks: https://www.facebook.com/groups/selfpublishingtipstricks

🔗 ➤ Guest Registration for Self-Published Authors: https://forms.gle/a5kagunHv9x1jxvm6

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CONNECT WITH US!

▶Shanon (S.D. Huston) Links: https://linktr.ee/sdhuston

▶Ben Pick YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Running2Write

▶Ben Pick Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/running2write

▶Morgan Links: https://linktr.ee/authormorganlee

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#selfpublishingtipstricks #sptt

Episode 050

Released on: December 5, 2023

Creating an audiobook is no small feat, but ensuring quality audio that meets industry standards is essential before release. In this podcast, Shanon shares an invaluable free tool from ACX that acts as an audio quality control lab for DIY authors. Their Audio Lab allows you to upload a file and receive an automated report checking specs against ACX’s rigorous standards. Shanon explains what this comprehensive report covers, from volume consistency to sample rate, and how to interpret the easy-to-understand pass/fail metrics. Whether releasing wide or direct to fans, every author-narrator should take advantage of this tool to catch problems early and dial-in professional grade audio.

🐉Shanon’s Indiegogo for A Curse of Scales & Feathers: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/a-curse-of-scales-feathers-a-fantasy-romance#/

IMPORTANT LINKS FOR THIS EPISODE:

🌟 Authortube Writing Conference (AWC): https://www.authortubewritingconference.com/

🌟 AWC Stream Party! Highlighting AWC Presenters: MK Williams 🍿: https://youtube.com/live/VdFroPk5iCU

🌟 Self-Narrating and Producing an Audiobook for Newbie Authors: https://youtu.be/fvGOQ20bCEI?si=CG-OlwIjefgH-7wi

🌟 ACX Audio Lab: https://www.acx.com/audiolab

🌟 Audacity: https://www.audacityteam.org/

🌟 The Dark Side of ACX: The Hidden World of Audiobook Rights: https://youtu.be/SVwjSOyxrR0

🌟Drop us a line at [email protected]

MORE AUDIOBOOK NARRATION VIDEOS BY M.K. WILLIAMS:

📽️Video 1: Audiobooks on YouTube Experiment Introduction Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DA6DxN9Rbmk

📽️Video 2: MK Narrating an Audiobook: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptczvKOeAfk

📽️Video 3: Compare to AI Narrating the same Audiobook: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVekaVgCDYE

📽️Video Playlist 4: Compare to a Pro narrating a different audiobook: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOnfvLR28Ms&list=PL5wG4jOiELp0fxUIuCWEsufn9HRnkniPv

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Thanks for watching and listening!

🔗 ➤ FACEBOOK: Self-Publishing Tips & Tricks: https://www.facebook.com/groups/selfpublishingtipstricks

🔗 ➤ Guest Registration for Self-Published Authors: https://forms.gle/a5kagunHv9x1jxvm6

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CONNECT WITH US!

▶Shanon (S.D. Huston) Links: https://linktr.ee/sdhuston

▶Ben Pick YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Running2Write

▶Ben Pick Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/running2write

▶Morgan Links: https://linktr.ee/authormorganlee

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#selfpublishingtipstricks #sptt

Episode 049

Released on: November 28, 2023

Deciding to launch a Kickstarter but not sure how to make your campaign stand out? My latest podcast episode breaks down the crucial concept of identifying your unique selling point (USP)—what makes you and your writing special. I discuss tips for pinpointing those memorable qualities in both yourself and your work, from assessing your writing style to considering reader feedback. I also explain why highlighting your USP can be pivotal in attracting passionate Kickstarter backers who connect with your creative vision. Whether you write epic fantasy, YA romance or another genre, defining and broadcasting your author USP is an invaluable step as you share your stories.

🐉Shanon’s Indiegogo for A Curse of Scales & Feathers: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/a-curse-of-scales-feathers-a-fantasy-romance#/

IMPORTANT LINKS FOR THIS EPISODE:

🌟Authortube Writing Conference (AWC): https://www.authortubewritingconference.com/

🌟AWC Speaker Applications: https://www.authortubewritingconference.com/awc-2024-speakers/apply

🌟2024 AWC Special Guest Speakers: https://www.authortubewritingconference.com/awc-2024-speakers

🌟Drop us a line at [email protected]

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Thanks for watching and listening!

🔗 ➤ FACEBOOK: Self-Publishing Tips & Tricks: https://www.facebook.com/groups/selfpublishingtipstricks

🔗 ➤ Guest Registration for Self-Published Authors: https://forms.gle/a5kagunHv9x1jxvm6

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CONNECT WITH US!

▶Shanon (S.D. Huston) Links: https://linktr.ee/sdhuston

▶Ben Pick YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Running2Write

▶Ben Pick Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/running2write

▶Morgan Links: https://linktr.ee/authormorganlee

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#selfpublishingtipstricks #sptt

Episode 048

Released on: November 20, 2023

Learn what Kickstarter is and why it’s an invaluable direct sales channel for indie authors. Shanon discusses the power of pre-selling books by crowdfunding future projects. She shares her own success story of raising over 3x her goal to fund a new fantasy romance novel. You'll get an inside look at the pros and cons of running a Kickstarter campaign. Discover if this unique platform could be right for catapulting your next book launch.

🐉Shanon’s Indiegogo for A Curse of Scales & Feathers: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/a-curse-of-scales-feathers-a-fantasy-romance#/

IMPORTANT LINKS FOR THIS EPISODE:

🌟20Booksto50K Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/20Booksto50k/

🌟20Booksto50K Conference: https://20booksvegas.com/

🌟 Author Nation with Chelle Honiker with Draft2Digital: https://www.youtube.com/live/1PmViFTqKIQ?si=2Wt1wDGYbH_xIQS7

🌟Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/

🌟Shanon’s Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sdhuston/acurseofscaleandfeathers

🌟Drop us a line at [email protected]

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Thanks for watching and listening!

🔗 ➤ FACEBOOK: Self-Publishing Tips & Tricks: https://www.facebook.com/groups/selfpublishingtipstricks

🔗 ➤ Guest Registration for Self-Published Authors: https://forms.gle/a5kagunHv9x1jxvm6

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CONNECT WITH US!

▶Shanon (S.D. Huston) Links: https://linktr.ee/sdhuston

▶Ben Pick YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Running2Write

▶Ben Pick Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/running2write

▶Morgan Links: https://linktr.ee/authormorganlee

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#selfpublishingtipstricks #sptt

Episode 047

Released on: November 15, 2023

In this episode, Shanon is joined by YouTuber and contemporary romance and picture book author, Emma Bennet. They discuss T Taylor’s book, “7 FIGURE FICTION: How to Use Universal Fantasy to SELL Your Books to ANYONE.” In this book, the author promises to shine a light on how writers can incorporate the idea of Universal Fantasies into their stories and sell them to readers who don’t know they love their books yet. Shanon and Emma discuss the premise of the book and breakdown Taylor’s definition of Universal Fantasy and how that compares to tropes according to the author’s explanation.

Emma Bennet has been a guest on the podcast before, where she shared her thoughts about “Atomic Habits” by James Clear. You can catch that whole episode here: https://youtu.be/jAZcnzRFXqg.

Emma will also join us next season to talk about being a hybrid author, romance writing, and tips for succeeding during NaNoWriMo and social media marketing

📘WHERE TO FIND THE BOOK ONLINE: https://7figurefiction.com/

🌟Drop us a line at [email protected]

❣️Have you checked out Shanon’s new epic fantasy romance, A Curse of Scales & Feathers? You can check it out here 👉 https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/a-curse-of-scales-feathers-a-fantasy-romance#/

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CONNECT WITH EMMA BENNET!

🎥YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EmmaBennetAuthor

📸Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/romanceemma/

🌐Website: https://www.emma-bennet.co.uk/

CONNECT WITH SHANON: https://linktr.ee/sdhuston

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Thanks for watching and listening!

🔗 ➤ FACEBOOK: Self-Publishing Tips & Tricks: https://www.facebook.com/groups/selfpublishingtipstricks

🔗 ➤ Guest Registration for Self-Published Authors: https://forms.gle/a5kagunHv9x1jxvm6

#selfpublishingtipstricks #sptt

Episode 046

Released on: November 7, 2023

Beware the dark side of ACX. Many indie authors are unaware of the hidden world surrounding audiobook rights and how ACX truly operates. But knowledge is power, and every author should arm themselves with an understanding of the mysteries of ACX before it’s too late. Join me this week as I illuminate the obscure policies and unseen loopholes that govern ACX audiobook rights. Sometimes what you don’t know can hurt you—so delve into the unknown and lay claim to what’s yours. The dark side of ACX awaits.

🐉Shanon’s Indiegogo for A Curse of Scales & Feathers: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/a-curse-of-scales-feathers-a-fantasy-romance#/

IMPORTANT LINKS FOR THIS EPISODE:

🌟Sign up for your Audiobook Creation Exchange account: https://www.acx.com/

🌟Drop us a line at [email protected]

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Thanks for watching and listening!

🔗 ➤ FACEBOOK: Self-Publishing Tips & Tricks: https://www.facebook.com/groups/selfpublishingtipstricks

🔗 ➤ Guest Registration for Self-Published Authors: https://forms.gle/a5kagunHv9x1jxvm6

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CONNECT WITH US!

▶Shanon (S.D. Huston) Links: https://linktr.ee/sdhuston

▶Ben Pick YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Running2Write

▶Ben Pick Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/running2write

▶Morgan Links: https://linktr.ee/authormorganlee

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#selfpublishingtipstricks #sptt

Episode 045

Released on: October 31, 2023

Take control of your author presence on Amazon! In this week's podcast, Shanon shares how you can customize your Amazon author URL to build your brand and reach more readers. Tired of that clunky, forgettable default URL? I'll reveal a simple trick to claim an intuitive author link that establishes your authority and helps fans find you. Whether you're a new author looking to strengthen your platform or a seasoned pro wanting to improve discoverability, you won't want to miss this quick tip to make your author page your own. Tuning in could be the small tweak that unlocks the next level of your author career on the world's biggest bookstore.

🐉Shanon’s Indiegogo for A Curse of Scales & Feathers: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/a-curse-of-scales-feathers-a-fantasy-romance#/

IMPORTANT LINKS FOR THIS EPISODE:

🌟Sign up for your Amazon Author Central account: https://author.amazon.com/

🌟Drop us a line at [email protected]

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Thanks for watching and listening!

🔗 ➤ FACEBOOK: Self-Publishing Tips & Tricks: https://www.facebook.com/groups/selfpublishingtipstricks

🔗 ➤ Guest Registration for Self-Published Authors: https://forms.gle/a5kagunHv9x1jxvm6

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CONNECT WITH US!

▶Shanon (S.D. Huston) Links: https://linktr.ee/sdhuston

▶Ben Pick YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Running2Write

▶Ben Pick Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/running2write

▶Morgan Links: https://linktr.ee/authormorganlee

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#selfpublishingtipstricks #sptt